Since Sean McVay took the Los Angeles Rams reins in 2017, the defensive side of the ball has employed a 3-4 base (back in the day we called it a 5-2 Okie), three down linemen and two standup edges in front of two linebackers and four in the secondary.
L.A. started to move away from it when Raheem Morris took over as defensive coordinator and that continues today under Mike Shula. These two mix in a good amount of four-down fronts, still employing two line backers, but adding a fifth member to the secondary.
Until the past three years, the Rams have had mixed results sinking draft capital into the edge position.
In the first six years under McVay, they instead relied on veteran talent and underscored with the draft. Conner Barwin, Dante Fowler, Clay Matthews, Leonard Floyd, and Von Miller were brought in to join draftees Robert Quinn (Rd1 2011), Samson Ebukam (Rd4 2017), Travon Young (Rd7 2018), Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Rd5 2018), Terrell Lewis (Rd3 2020), Chris Garrett (Rd7 2021), and Daniel Hardy (Rd7 2022). You can sneak undrafted Michael Hoecht into this group.
In 2023, L.A. selected Byron Young (Rd 3), Nick Hampton (Rd5), and Ochaun Mathis (Rd6). Young has been a three-year starter and made 27.5 sacks. Hampton was a fixture on special teams, but not retained for 2026, while Mathis’ game could not live up to his physical traits.
The Rams used their first Round 1 pick since 2016 on Jared Verse in 2024. Later in the proceedings, it was Brennan Jackson (Rd5). In two seasons, according to Pro Football Reference, Verse has started 33 of 34 games with 12 sacks, 31 QB knockdowns, and 69 pressures. Jackson did not make it through final cuts and was claimed by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Last year, Josiah Stewart was taken in Round 3. He was active and played in all 17 regular season games, as well as the three playoff tilts. 374 snaps on defense with three sacks and seven pressures.
Behind the Top 3 in the rotation, there’s room to add support to the edge unit. Desjuan Johnson and Keir Thomas play physical, but are transitioned defensive tackles and lack burst off the edge. Also to be considered, Young is in the final year of his rookie contract.
Here are edge players with draftable grades off my Top 300 Big Board.
Malachi Lawrence – Central Florida 6’4” 253 lb.
Jaishawn Barham (6’3 241) Michigan+ Versatility and experience playing both linebacker and at edge+ Physicality against the run and graded out with a 90.0 run defense grade in 2025+ Good bend when he rushes off the edge+ Has 89 career pressures+ Power in his hands to shed… pic.twitter.com/aRX5qXf1pW
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 11, 2026
Nadame Tucker – Western Michigan 6’2” 247 lb.
You don't always see George Gumbs Jr.'s combine spider chart insanity on the field (yet), but when it's there, it's there. The first rep, where LSU's right tackle said, "F this dip-and-rip; I'm just going to tackle him" is pretty funny. And he gave Monroe Freeling problems. pic.twitter.com/a5TdtwVHqs
Quintayvious Hutchins – Boston College 6’3” 233 lb.
This years edge class is pretty solid through Round 3, but falls off precipitously after that. I’m not so sure the Rams want to spend their Round 2 pick at the position, it might be better to stand pat and stick with the unit as is. Keep an eye on the street agents and the waiver wire.
If Jaishawn Barham is around at #93, that would be a solid option. He has explosive traits, plays physical, and strong read/react skills. Versatile, he brings good production as an off-ball linebacker. A bit raw and loose as an edge, but he works hard and pursues well. He would have a season to polish up and get under control.
Later in the process, I like George Gumbs as a developmental prospect. He’s only been at edge since 2024, receiver and tight end before that. Stellar athleticism and motor, admittedly short on technical/mechanical aspects. Good get-off and loose enough to dip and flatten out around the edge. Fighter vs. the run and often makes hustle tackles from behind by staying in the fray.
Should the Rams invest in a high-tier edge player or look for a developmental prospect later in the draft?